I’m a Laaaady: 6 Life Lessons I Learned From Watching ‘Martin’

To say that Martin wasn’t one of the greatest black shows of the 90’s is pure blasphemy. I try to be as unbiased as possible but we not gon’ act like this show doesn’t deserve a spot in the Sitcom Hall of Fame, if one were to ever exist.

But whether you have all 5 seasons on DVD or only watch it sporadically when there’s nothing else to watch, there are a lot of life lessons to learn from this outrageously hilarious show. Behind Shanehneh trying to square up with Gina and Pam every other episode, behind Bruh Man sneaking in Martin’s apartment to make sandwiches with moldy bread and behind Cole’s many failed attempts at containing any sort of common sense, there are some true epiphanies to be had from tuning in to a rerun or two. Am I reaching? I don’t know, maybe.

1. “HEADY MURPHY, BEEDEE BEED, INCH-HIGH PRIVATE EYE”

People love in different ways. From Tommy’s “no job having ass” to Pam’s “sticky knots” to Martin’s stunted growth, it’s easy to mistake the group’s verbal love taps for heartfelt insults. But make no mistake! That’s just how they showed each other how much they cared. Take Gina, the love of his life, for example. Their relationship wouldn’t be the “relationship goals” that they are today had he not compared her hats to the size of “big ass fruit baskets.”

2. GOTTA GAS YOURSELF UP

If no one else will point out your good looks, charming personality, incredible sense of humor and innovative sense of style, do it! You do it! You let them know dammit! Gassing yourself isn’t always necessary but necessary sometimes it is. Martin EXUDED confidence, even in situations where he lacked experience. Yea, at times it might have been a little too much but it is important to know that you POP and sometimes you have to let them know too.

3. TOO MUCH PRIDE WILL HAVE YOU FUCKED UP

Like literally fucked up. Remember the episode when Martin challenged Tommy “The Hitman” Hearns to a boxing match when Tommy wouldn’t give him his “props.” That wasn’t too much confidence that was just straight pride. Even when he had a chance to back out of it, he went with it anyway which ultimately resulted him in getting his ass beat.

4. “RESPECT MY HOUSE”

Whether it be your home or your existence in general, respect is def a necessity and if you ever forget that just watch one episode of Martin and watch him quickly dispel the belief that anyone could get away with showing him less than such.

5.”GET TA’ STEPPIN”

Demanding respect is one thing but what you do when the respect you expect isn’t given is another. It didn’t really matter who the the culprit was. Martin was quick to throw anyone out of his sight had they not been of comfort to him. “Be like Martin.” If somebody makes you feel a way don’t be hesitant to personally escort them out of your life, house or wherever.

6. IT’S ALL ABOUT TIMING

We watched Martin go from a radio host, to a member of a cult (a fucking cult), to a mailman, a janitor , a cashier at Hoochie Burger to eventually having a nation wide talk show. We watched the struggle. The same struggle that most of us are going through today with trying to get to where we want to be. But no worries, Martin showed us that hard work and timing will eventually get you there.